North High to host first Digital ‘Knight’

April 26, 2013

With so many talented students, it was only a matter of time before North Fort Myers High School held a big "knight" for the best.

The school will showcase the best in student design and technology when it holds hold its first Digital Knight for digital media students Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The best from students in graphic design, animation, gaming, Web design, TV production and photography will be highlighted, and many media professionals and colleges will be on hand to check out their work.

Teacher and event organizer Jennifer Curls said the idea evolved after many teachers in school held their own contests and students would argue over who was better.

"They always did mini-competitions and the winner got candy. We have such talented students that we decided to do one big competition," Curls said. "Our kids always went on to local and state competitions, so this will tell who really is the best."

Curls said about 150 to 160 kids will be in the showcase to compete for awards for best 3D model and animation, games, graphic design, Red Knight item, photo manipulation, music video, commercial and Web site.

"We wanted to showcase a lot of kids. Everyone has special talents. We want to honor them and encourage them to do better," Curls said.

Curls said all the projects were done in class and not as extra work. Teachers selected the best work and submitted it.

Prizes include a Kindle Fire HD for first place, a Wacom Bamboo Splash tablet and USB drive for second, and a Canon digital camera and USB drive for third. All winners will get a Digital Knight T-shirt.

The best game winner will receive a $250 gift certificate to Play N Trade.

"We got a lot of sponsors from around North Fort Myers and they donated money so we could get prizes," Curls said. "It will encourage them a little more."

The top three will also be showcased at Reverie and Rock Art Gallery in Downtown Fort Myers on Friday, May 3, at 6 p.m., and their design work will be published in the Lee County Family News magazine.

"That's the night of Artwalk and there will be lots of exposure to their work," Curls said. "They get a cool prize and it gets to be published."

The logo for the Digital Knight was designed by sophomore David Siwarski, who won a Wacom Bamboo tablet and a USB drive.